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Archibald Douglas, Abbot of Dunfermline Abbey
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Sir
Archibald Douglas, Abbot of
Dunfermline between 1178 and 1198 was a son
of William de Douglas.
The
earliest record of Archibald de Douglas dates back to a charter of
confirmation before 1198. In this document, Jocelin, Bishop of Glasgow,
granted rights to a toft in Glasgow to Melrose Abbey, where Archibald's
name is listed between Alan, High Steward of Scotland, and Robert de
Montgomery, highlighting his notable status.
Before 1198, another
significant document records Archibald resigning the lands of Hailes,
which he held from the Abbey of Dunfermline, to Robert of Restalrig.
This early period marks the beginning of Archibald's prominent role in
Scottish nobility.
Between 1214 and 1226, Archibald extended his
influence by acquiring the lands of Hermiston and Livingston, with Maol
Choluim I, Earl of Fife, acting as his feudal superior. By 1226,
Archibald had been knighted, as evidenced by his appearance in another
Melrose Abbey charter as 'Dominus de Douglas,' or Lord of Douglas. Here,
he witnessed William Purves of Mospennoc granting the Monks of Melrose
passage rights through his lands. Among the witnesses was Andrew,
Archibald's knight, further illustrating his powerful position.
After 1226, Archibald de Douglas was a signatory to several royal
charters, suggesting a close association with the Scottish monarchy. His
brother, Bricius de Douglas, also
documents Archibald’s presence in Moray through various episcopal
charters.
In 1238, Archibald accompanied King Alexander II's
retinue in Selkirk during the regranting of the title Earl of Lennox to
Maol Domhnaich of Lennox. Following 1239, Archibald disappears from
historical records, leading to the assumption that he died around this
time.
Archibald of Douglas is thought to have married Margaret,
daughter of Sir John Crawford of Crawfordjohn and had issue:
•
Sir William of Douglas, known as
'Longlegs', (c.1220–c.1274)
•
Sir Andrew Douglas of Hermiston, progenitor of the
Lords of Dalkeith &
Earls of Morton and
Lords of Mains.
Archibald de Douglas's life
is a testament to the significant influence and responsibilities held by
the Scottish nobility during the medieval period. His various roles and
extensive landholdings showcase his prominence within Scotland's feudal
system.
Comment:
Abbot Archibald and convent of Dunfermline make known that Archibald, son of W[illiam] of Douglas, with counsel of friends, and on account of money which Thomas, son of Edward of Restalrig, and his friends gave him, in full chapter of Dunfermline quitclaimed land of Hailes (Colinton, MLO) which he held of Dunfermline. Dunfermline Abbey, after this quitclaim, has given Thomas, son of Edward of Restalrig, said land of Hailes. Their brother(1) is to be returned and will be accepted for burial at Dunfermline after his death as soon as part of money and property is produced.
Death of Abbot Geoffrey (II) × death of Abbot Archibald. Note that Thomas appears mostly after ca. 1209. Archibald Douglas is found as late as 1238, suggesting that both Archibald and Thomas were fairly young at this point.
Notes:
1. Brother of Dunfermline Abbey, or mistake for brother of person mentioned in text?
2. Some sources have him as having fought at the Battle of Largs
against the Norse in 1263, which would make his date of death
questionable.
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Source
Sources for this article include:
People of Medieval Scotland
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
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